Rams victorious over Vikings after near loss

Dezmond Epps, wide receiver, earns a touchdown for the Rams during their football season opener held at Ocean Campus’ Ram stadium on Saturday, September 1, 2012. Photo by Shane Menez/The GuardsmanCity College prepares to make a play against Diablo Valley College at Ocean Campus’ Ram Stadium on Saturday, September 1, 2012. Photo by Shane Menez/The Guardsman

By Ivan Huang

The Guardsman

The City College Rams defeated the Diablo Valley College Vikings 48-41 in their season opener that saw a thrilling come back and proved why they are reigning national champions.

After stumbling in the first half, the Rams fought back from a 14-point deficit after being down by 11 points at halftime.

Despite the win, head coach George Rush was frustrated with his defenses’ performance in the first half.

“That is the worst half of defensive football I’ve seen in the history of City College as long as I’ve been here,” Rush said.

The Vikings came out rolling in the first half and scored 38 points on the Rams’ defense that seemed unable to get any stops.

“It was the ugliest game in 13 victories,” said Jimmy Gallegos, father of Rams defensive back Justin Gallegos.

The Viking’s quarterback Quinn Kaehler and wide receiver Diante Jackson made several spectacular plays during the first half and appeared unstoppable.

Though Diablo Valley was on fire in the first half, the Rams were able to keep it close and went into halftime down 38 – 27.

The Vikings came out for the third quarter and scored a field goal making the 14 point lead the biggest of the game.

“We weren’t playing together. We were playing as individuals and we didn’t play the scheme of the defense,” Rush said.

The Rams appeared to be in trouble heading into the final quarter after a scoreless third quarter.

Rams quarterback Andrew Spivey performed well under the pressure and made big plays all game, including a touchdown to wide receiver J.J. Hudson that changed the momentum and cut the lead to seven.

“I kind of just say to myself in those types of situations that it has to be done. I just tell myself that we got to get this,” Spivey said. “Then I just call the play that I think would work and it ended up working a bunch of times.”

After being down all game, the Rams tied the score on a quarterback sneak by Spivey forcing the game into overtime.

The Rams scored on their first possession of overtime and the Vikings were unable to match the score.